2021 Precision Production Degree Guide
Are you interested in the field of manufacturing and love to build things? Precision Production could be the field for you. Whether you like working with metal, wood, or leather, this major is for any type of craftsman.
A program in Precision Production will provide students with the technical knowledge and skill to develop products using precision manufacturing and illustration. The two main majors in the field are Precision Metal Working and Woodworking. Some of the courses you can expect to take are drawing digital design course, welding, tool-and-die making, and furniture design. This program is commonly seen as a certification or Associate's degree.
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A Spike in Precision Production Degrees
In 2018-2019, precision production was the 36th most popular major nationwide with 57,435 degrees awarded. This represents a 4.1% increase in precision production degrees awarded over the prior year's total of 55,086.
Approximately 428 colleges in the U.S. offer a precision production degree of some kind. Explore this or one of our many other custom precision production rankings further below.
What Are The Requirements For a Degree in Precision Production
Students who go into this field should be comfortable with basic math, geometry and computer skills. You will be constantly measuring items and need to be careful with details. Problem solving skills will help you resolve complications in projects.
Because this is a hands-on job, it requires physical strength and stamina. You will be working on-site, lifting heavy materials and working long hours. Apprenticeships make up part of most of these programs. Students are paired up with professionals in the field to learn while doing.
Prior Education for a Precision Production Program
precision production degree applicants generally need have finished high school or their GED. Many schools may also have GPA and SAT/ACT score minimums that must be met. Specific precision production careers may require a certain level of degree attainment or additional certifications beyond that.
Types of Precision Production Degrees
There are many different precision production degree levels. You can get anything from a associate's degree in precision production to the highest precision production degree, a master's. Depending on the precision production degree you choose, obtaining your diploma can take anwhere from 1 to 4+ years.
Degree | Credit Requirements | Typical Program Length |
---|---|---|
Associate Degree | 60-70 credits | 2 years |
Bachelor’s Degree | 120 credits | 4 years |
Master’s Degree | 50-70 credits | 1-3 years |
Doctorate | Program required coursework including thesis or dissertation | At least 4 years |
An associate's degree is the most common level of education achieved by those in careers related to precision production, with approximately 3.7% of workers getting one. See the the most common levels of education for precision production workers below.
Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
---|---|
High School Diploma | 52.0% |
Post-Secondary Certificate | 22.1% |
Less than a High School Diploma | 13.5% |
Some College Courses | 7.3% |
Associate’s Degree (or other 2-year degree) | 3.7% |
See the chart below for the most common degree level workers in precision production have received.

The education level required is different depending on the precision production career you are seeking.
Career Opportunities for Precision Production Majors
Your career options will be determined by what concentration you chose. Graduates of Precision Metal Working can find jobs as structural iron and steel workers, welders, cutters, solderers, and brazers, sheet metal workers, machinist, and tool and die maker. These are professionals who link metal parts and use hand-held welding equipment to fill indentions or holes of metal products.
Woodworking majors become woodworkers, carpenters, construction laborers and helpers, and construction managers. Construction laborers and helpers do basic tasks on the construction site that required physical labor. Theses professionals commonly work fulltime, although bad weather can affect working conditions.
Small Decline Projected for Precision Production Careers
Want a job when you graduate with your precision production degree?
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to precision production.
Occupation Name | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
---|---|---|
Welders, Cutters, Solderers, and Brazers | 427,300 | 5.6% |
Machinists | 404,100 | 2.0% |
Metal and Plastic Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders | 175,900 | -8.7% |
Sheet Metal Workers | 150,900 | 8.6% |
Machine Tool Operators | 147,300 | 1.1% |
How Much Money Do Precision Production Grads Make?
Precision Production graduates between 2015-2017 reported earning an average of $30,445 in the 2017-2018 timeframe. Earnings can range from as low as $14,200 to as high as $59,100. As you might expect, salaries for precision production graduates vary depending on the level of education that was acquired.

High Paying Careers for Precision Production Majors
Salaries for precision production graduates can vary widely by the occupation you choose as well. The following table shows the top 5 highest paying careers precision production grads often go into.
Occupation Name | Median Average Salary |
---|---|
Boilermakers | $63,240 |
Wood Patternmakers | $59,650 |
Metal and Plastic Model Makers | $56,920 |
Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers | $56,300 |
Tool and Die Makers | $53,650 |
Getting Your Precision Production Degree
With over 3,180 different precision production degree programs to choose from, finding the best fit for you can be a challenge. Fortunately you have come to the right place. We have analyzed all of these schools to come up with hundreds of unbiased precision production school rankings to help you with this.
Top Ranking Lists for Precision Production
Study Areas in Precision Production
Precision Production Majors to Study
Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Precision Metal Working | 56,353 |
Woodworking | 733 |
Other Precision Production | 177 |
Leatherworking & Upholstery | 112 |
Boilermaking | 46 |
View All Precision Production Related Majors >
Most Popular Majors Related to Precision Production
Related Major | Annual Graduates |
---|---|
Personal & Culinary Services | 132,634 |
Mechanic & Repair Technologies | 107,442 |
Construction Trades | 36,003 |
Transportation & Materials Moving | 28,766 |
View All Precision Production Related Majors >
References
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